Self-closing cap

ABSTRACT

A sealing lid assembly used in connection with a service port, the sealing lid assembly including a cap; a plug extending from an underside of the cap and at least partially receivable in the service port, a first seal supported on the plug and extending radially outward therefrom to sealingly engage the service port when the cap is in a closed position; and a biasing assembly adapted to urge the cap toward the closed position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fluid filling ports, and moreparticularly to an apparatus for automatically sealing a Diesel ExhaustFluid Port after filling.

BACKGROUND

Tanks for Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) are becoming the standard forheavy-duty diesel engines, particularly those found in trucks and otherfleet vehicles. DEF is an Aqueous Urea Solution used in diesel emissionssystems. DEF is sprayed directly into the exhaust stream to chemicallyneutralize harmful nitrogen oxide emissions. DEF is replenished usingfill bottles or service station pumps by first removing the DEF serviceport caps and dispensing the agent in the DEF service port. Operatorsare required to manually remove and reseal DEF port caps afterreplenishing the DEF. Newer operators and service personnel oftenmistakenly forget to reseal the service port with the cap. Additionally,operators who remember to reseal the cap may fail to reseal it properly.This results in a loss of DEF or unwanted debris entering into theservice port. Both of these results will prove harmful to the engines.Therefore, there remains a need for an automatic sealing port cap toeliminate the need for operators to replace the port cap. There is alsoa need for a multiple seal cap for eliminating the possibility of DEFbeing lost and debris entering the DEF service port.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a sealing lid assemblyfor use with a service port. The sealing lid assembly includes a capadapted to overlie the service port. The sealing lid assembly furtherincludes a plug extending axially inward from the cap, the plug having adiameter corresponding to the service port such that the plug is atleast partially received in the service port, wherein the plug tapersradially inwardly as it extends axially inwardly from the cap to form afrusto-conical wall terminating at an inward end. The cap extendsradially outward of the plug to form an annular flange adapted to engagethe outer extremity of the service port. The sealing lid assemblyfurther includes a first seal having a circular shape attached to theannular flange and interposed between the flange and the outer extremityof the service port to create a sealing engagement between the cap andthe service port. The plug defines an annular recess between the cap andthe inward end. The sealing lid assembly also includes a second sealreceived within the annular recess and extending radially outwardtherefrom to sealingly engage the service port when the cap a in aclosed position. The sealing lid assembly further includes a first andsecond arm extending outwardly from one end of the cap. The first andsecond arm each defining a pin receiver aligned along a common axis. Thesealing lid assembly further includes a pin received in the pinreceivers and supported adjacent the service port, wherein the cappivots on the pin. The sealing lid assembly also includes a springsupported on the pin and contacting the cap to bias the cap towards theclosed position.

A further embodiment of the present invention includes a sealing lidassembly used in connection with a service port of a diesel emissionsfluid tank, the sealing lid assembly comprising a cap adapted to overliethe service port, a plug extending from an underside of said cap andadapted to be received at least partially within the service port, thecap extending radially outward of the plug to form an annular flange,and a first seal supported on the plug extending radially outwardtherefrom to sealingly engage the interior of the service port when thesealing lid is in a closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a Diesel Exhaust Fluid sealing lidassembly and a service port with a fill nozzle according to anembodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the sealing lid assembly and a serviceport according to an embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an bottom view of the sealing lid assembly accordingto an embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the sealing lid according to anembodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a sealing lid assembly according toanother embodiment of the subject invention.

FIG. 5 a illustrates a sectional side elevation view as might be seenalong line A-A of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the sealing lid assembly of Fig.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the sealing lid assembly ofFig.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the sealing lid assembly ofFIG. 5 with the cap in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a tank T for holding a urea basedDiesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) for reducing oxides of nitrogen emissions indiesel fuel engines. DEF is poured into a DEF tank T or a DEF serviceport 600 that is in fluid communication with the tank T, then laterdispensed into the engine's exhaust stream. The DEF service port 600 maybe made from any material used to form containers including, but notlimited to, polymers or stainless steel materials. The DEAF service port600 typically includes a wall or rim that defines an opening into whicha fill nozzle for dispensing the DEF is received, and a lid or cap forkeeping the contents therein and contaminants out. The service port 600may form part of the DEF tank or be located remotely from the tank T andconnected by tubing or other suitable conduit for conveying the DEF tothe tank T.

The sealing lid assembly of the DEF service port 600 keeps contaminantsout of the service port 600 and maintains a fully functional andcompliant emissions system. To that end, the present inventionincorporates an automatic or self-sealing lid assembly for use with aservice port 600 to effectively keep the DEF from escaping in theservice port 600, and to prevent contaminants from entering.

An exemplary service port 600 having an automatic or self-sealing lidassembly, generally identified by reference numeral 10, is shown in thefigures. The sealing lid assembly 10, as illustrated in FIG. 1, mayinclude a cap 100. The cap 100 may have any shape and generally conformsto the shape of the service port 600 For example, as shown in FIG. 3,the sealing lid assembly 10 may have a substantially circular shape thatconforms to the circular service port 600. Cap 100 may be pivotallyattached to a supporting surface near service port 600, and may, forexample, be pivotally attached to DEF tank. In the example shown, cap100 includes at least one arm 200 extending therefrom to pivotallyattach cap 100 to a supporting surface via a pin extending though thearm, to allow it to pivot between an open position (FIG. 1) and a closedposition (FIG. 2) as discussed in more detail below.

Cap 100 may include a plug 300 extending from an underside of the cap100 and adapted to fit within the opening defined by service port 600.The plug 300 may be solid or hollow. With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.2, the plug 300 may extend axially inward from the underside of the cap100 tapering radially inward to form a frusto-conical wall terminatingat an inward end of the plug 300. The plug 300 may have a diametercorresponding with an interior Wall 610 of the service port 600 suchthat the plug 300 is at least partially received within the service port600.

In the example shown, service port 600 defines a correspondingfrusto-conical entrance. The plug 300 may further include an annularrecess 425 (FIG. 1) positioned approximately between the cap 100 and theinward end of the plug 300. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the annularrecess may be adapted to receive at least a portion of a first seal 400as will be described in further detail below.

A first seal 400 may be provided on cap 100 to engage the interior 610of service port 600 and establish sealing contact between the cap 100and service port 600. First seal 400 may be of any configuration, shape,or material suitable to form a seal between the cap 100 and service port600. For example, first seal 400 may be an o-ring or other annular sealthat fits over plug 300 and extends radially outward from plug 300 toengage the interior 610 of the service port 600. Plug 300 may include aseal receiver 305 within which first seal 400 may be seated to locatethe first seal 400 and prevent it from slipping or becoming dislodgedfrom plug 300. Seal receiver 305 may be formed by raised a projection onthe surface of plug 300 that impedes movement of first seal 400.Alternatively, as shown, seal receiver 305 may include an annular notchdefined within the surface of plug 300.

While in the example shown, first seal 400 is seated within sealreceiver 305, as an alternative, first seal 400 may be attached to plug300 as by an adhesive or other known fastener. In the example shown,first seal 400 is constructed of an elastic material and stretched tofit over plug 300 causing the elastic forces within first seal 400 tohold the first seal 400 within seal receiver 305.

To further seal the sealing lid assembly 10 and provide a redundantseal, sealing lid assembly 10 may be provided with a second seal 450.Second seal 450 may be provided at any location to provide an additionalseal. In the example shown, second seal 450 is provided on cap 100 andis located radially outward of plug 300 to engage an exterior surfaceservice port 600. To that end, second seal 450 may engage rim 605 ofservice port 600 when cap 100 is in the closed position. In this way,second seal 450 is compressed against rim 605 to form the seal.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the second seal 450 mayhave any shape that fits on the cap 100 and provides sealing contactwith the service port 600. As shown in FIG. 3, the second seal 450 has asubstantially circular shape that conforms to the annular flange formedby the circular cap 100 shown. The second seal 450 may be selectivelyattached to the underside of the cap 100 using a fastener, such as anadhesive. However, any fasteners capable of attaching a seal to the plug300 known to a person having ordinary skill in the art may be used.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the first seal 400 and secondseal 450 may be made from any material capable of sealing the contentswithin the service port 600 known to a person of ordinary skill in theart including but not limited to elastomer, polymer, thermoplastic,thermoset and silicone materials. In the depicted embodiment, the firstseal 400 and second seal 450 are made from a rubber material. Inoperation, when the sealing lid assembly 10 is in the closed position,the first seal 400 may engage the inner walls of the service port 600thereby providing an initial barrier. Since first seal 400 is located onplug 300, it provides a seal even if cap 100 is not fully closed. Secondseal 450 engages rim 605 of service port 600 and provides an additionalbarrier to contaminants and further prevents the contents of tank T fromescaping from service port 600.

In operation, when the sealing lid assembly 10 is in a closed position,as shown in FIG. 2, the second seal 450 engages at least a portion ofthe rim 605 of the service port 600 and is compressed between cap 100and service port 600 to further seal the contents within the serviceport 600.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and now FIG. 4, the sealinglid assembly 10 may be pivotally attached to the service port 600 formoving the sealing lid assembly 10 into the closed position. Pivotingattachment of sealing lid assembly 10 may be accomplished in any knownmanner including but not limited to a hinge, a flexible connection, suchas a flap, or other suitable joint. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, ahinge assembly 500 is used and may include a first arm 510 and a secondarm 520 extending outwardly from the cap 100, as shown in FIG. 3. Thefirst arm 510 and second arm 520 may share a common axis and besubstantially parallel to each other. The first arm 510 and the secondarm 520 may each include at least one aperture 530 for receiving a pin540 or other member(s) about which cap 100 pivots.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, a biasing assembly, generallyindicated by the number 550, is provided to automatically close the cap100. Biasing assembly 550 urges the cap 100 toward the closed position.In one embodiment the biasing assembly 550 may be a magnet. In theembodiment shown, biasing assembly 550 includes a spring 555. Spring 555may be of any type and have any configuration suitable for urging thecap 100 toward the closed position. For example, spring 555 may includea coil spring, leaf spring, torsion spring, or combinations thereof.Additionally, with reference to FIG. 5 a, the biasing assembly 550 mayinclude a spring spacer 560 selectively situated within the spring 555.In this embodiment, the pin 540 is received within the spring spacer560. The pin 540 may allow for the spring spacer 560 to pivot on the pin540 such that the spring 555 may urge the cap 100 into a closedposition.

The spring 555 may be made from a material capable of creating thebiasing force, for example, suitable metals, plastics or elastomericmaterials. In operation, the spring 555 may engage at least a portion ofcap 100 to facilitate moving the cap 100 from the open position to theclosed position.

Spring 555 may include a biasing adapter 560, as shown in FIG. 4, thatoverlies and engages a portion of cap 100 and is connected to or formedas part of spring 555 to apply force from spring 555 to cap 100 urgingcap 100 toward the closed position. It will be appreciated that thebiasing adapter 560 may be formed by the end of the spring 555.

In operation, the biasing assembly 550 urges the cap 100 and accordinglyplug 300 toward the closed position, such that, when the user goes tofill or otherwise service the DEF tank T, the biasing force of biasingassembly 550 must be overcome to perform the service. Then when serviceis complete, biasing assembly 550 automatically closes the service port600 by moving the cap 100 to the closed position. In the closedposition, at least a portion of first seal 400, which resides on plug300 will engage the interior 610 of service port 600 to seal tank T. Inthe embodiment shown, the biasing force provided by biasing assembly 550is sufficient to cause second seal 450 to engage the rim 605 of serviceport 600 providing an additional seal for tank T.

With reference to FIGS. 5-8, an alternative sealing lid assemblygenerally indicated by the number 10′ is shown. This sealing lidassembly includes similar components to the previously describedembodiment and therefore, like numbers will be used to refer to partscommon to both embodiments. The sealing lid assembly 10′ in general,sealing lid assembly 10′ includes a cap 100 that has a plug 300extending inward from the cap for receipt within a service port 600.

In some instances, thermal expansion of the fluid and the generation ofpositive or negative internal pressure within the DEF tank T is aconcern. To that end, the sealing lid assembly 10′ may be vented. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 5 a, a venting assembly, generally indicatedby the number 150, may be provided to allow selective communicationbetween the service port 600 and tank T and atmosphere. In the exampleshown, the venting assembly 150 is carried within cap 100 and may extendinto the plug 300. To that end, plug 300 and cap 100 may define a hollowinterior for receipt of venting 150. Venting assembly 150 may include arelief valve 152 that is biased toward a closed position where pressurebuild up within the tank T must overcome a certain threshold before thevalve opens. In the example shown, a spring 154 is provided to bias acup valve 156 toward a normally closed position. Pressure acting on thecup valve 156 may eventually overcome the force of the spring 154 toallow gas from within the tank T to escape through relief valve 152.

To prevent vacuum lock within the tank T caused by the withdrawal offluid from the tank T, vent assembly 150 may also allow atmospheric airto be drawn into the tank T, as by an umbrella valve 159. A filter 158may be provided as part of venting assembly 150 and generally liesupstream of umbrella valve 159 to reduce the likelihood of containmentswithin the atmospheric air from being drawn into the tank T. Ventingassembly 150 may further include additional seals, such as o-rings161,162 shown, to prevent liquid from escaping through the ventingassembly 150 in a roll over situation. In the example shown, ventingassembly 150 further includes an umbrella valve 159 that regulates theflow of air into the tank T. As will be appreciated, the umbrella valve159 is bias toward a closed position such that sufficient vacuum withinthe tank T must be present to open umbrella valve 159 allowing air drawnthrough the vent assembly 150 to enter that tank T from the atmosphere.

As demonstrated in the previous embodiment, sealing lid assembly may beused as part of a replacement tank such that the sealing lid assembly 10is provided on the tank T. Also, in accordance with the concepts of thepresent invention, a sealing lid assembly may be retrofit to an existingsystem. To that end, the sealing lid assembly 10′ may include a serviceport adapter 700, which allows the self-closing cap 100 to be mounted onan existing service port. The service port adapter 700 may be configuredto mount the cap 100 to tank T or service port 600 such that the sealinglid assembly 10′ is operable with service port 600. In the example shownin FIG. 5 a, the service port adapter 700 may include a female threadthat mates with a male thread used to secure a prior art cap to anexisting service port of the tank T. In the example shown in FIG. 5 a,service port adapter 700 includes a collar 710 that defines internalthreads 712 adapted to engage the male threads found on an existingservice port. In this example, the service port 600 is provided on theservice port adapter 700. In particular, service port adapter 700includes a wall 612 extending upwardly from collar 710 defining theservice port opening through which fluid may be directed into the tankT. As in the previous example, the plug 300 extending from cap 100includes a first seal 400 that engages an interior of wall 612 to form afirst seal between the cap 100 and service port 600. A second seal 450residing on cap 100 engages an upper surface of wall 612 to form asecond seal between the cap 100 and service port 600.

Cap 100 is hingedly supported on service port adapter 700. For example,as best shown in FIG. 6, service port adapter 700 may include a mountingbracket generally indicated by the number 720 that supports a pin 540upon which the cap 100 is pivotally mounted. As in the previousembodiment, a biasing assembly 550 is provided to bias the cap 100toward a closed position. In the example shown, a torsion spring may besupported on pin 540 to apply a biasing force to the cap 100. Torsionspring 555 includes a first tab 556 that engages service port adapter700 and a second tab 557 that engages the cap 100. As best shown in FIG.5 a, first tab 556 may reside within a spring recess 558 defined withinmounting bracket 720. For example, mounting brackets 720 may include apair of tabs 722 that extend outward from service port adapter 700 anddefine openings 723 that receive the pin 540. As best shown in FIGS. 5 aand 6, a cylindrical spacer 725 may be journaled on pin 540 and providea supporting surface for spring 555. As shown in FIG. 5 a, spacer 725 issized to reside within the barrel defined by spring 555. Similar to theprevious embodiment, cap 100 includes arms 510 and 520 that defineopenings for receipt of pin 540 allowing the tab to rotate about pin540. The second tab 557 of spring 555 engages the cap 100 such that amovement of the cap 100 toward an open position (FIG. 1) generates abiasing force within the spring 555 that tends to resist this openingforce and bias the cap 100 toward a close position.

To accommodate magnetically actuated nozzles, which are used in theindustry, service port adapter 700 may further include an insertgenerally indicated by the number 730 that extends downwardly from thebase 731 of wall 612 and into the opening 732 defined by collar 710. Theinsert 730 is sized to be received within an existing service port (notshown) and defines an insert bore 735 that allows DEF fluid to passthrough the insert 730 into tank T.

With continued reference to FIG. 5 a, the service port adapter 700 mayfurther include a hollow recess or a magnet housing 740 formed at thetip 741 of insert 730. Magnet housing 740 is generally an annularrecessed formed exteriorly of insert bore 735 allowing a magnet to behoused within the tip 741 of insert 730 without being in contact withthe DEF fluid passing through the bore 735. To that end, an annularchamber 742 is formed between an exterior wall 743 of insert 730 and aninterior wall 744 that defines a portion of the bore 735. A magnet 745is housed within the annular chamber and surrounds the bore 735 at thetip 741 of insert 730. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill,magnet 745 is provided for releasing an interlock (not shown) in the DEFnozzle 620.

While the invention has been described with reference to certainembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the invention without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to theparticular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include allembodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A sealing lid assembly used in connection with a service port, thesealing lid assembly comprising: a cap adapted to overlie the serviceport in a closed position; a plug extending axially inward from saidcap, wherein said plugs tapers radially inwardly as it extends axiallyinwardly from said cap to form a frusto-conical wall terminating at aninward end; wherein said plug defines an annular recess between said capand said inward end; a first seal received within said annular recessand extending radially outward therefrom to sealingly engage the serviceport when said cap is in said closed position; wherein said cap extendsradially outward of said plug to form an annular flange adapted toengage the outer extremity of the service port; a second seal having acircular shape attached to said annular flange and interposed betweensaid flange and the outer extremity of the service port to createsealing engagement between said cap and the service port; a first andsecond arm extending outwardly from one end of said cap, said first andsecond arm each defining a pin receiver aligned along a common axis; apin received in said pin receivers and supported adjacent the serviceport, wherein said cap pivots on said pin; a spring supported on saidpin and contacting said cap to bias said cap toward said closedposition.
 2. The sealing lid assembly of claim 1, wherein said capdefines a vent assembly selectively opening the service port toatmosphere.
 3. A sealing lid assembly used in connection with a serviceport, the sealing lid assembly comprising: a cap; a plug extending froman underside of said cap terminating at an inward end, said plug havingan annular recess between said cap and said inward end; a first sealreceived within said annular recess and extending radially outwardtherefrom to form a seal when said cap is in a closed position; and abiasing assembly adapted to urge said cap toward said closed position.4. The scaling lid assembly of claim 3, wherein said cap extendsradially outward of said plug to form an annular flange; and a secondseal having an annular shape attached to said annular flange locatedradially outward of said plug.
 5. The sealing lid assembly of claim 3further comprising: a first and second arm extending outwardly from oneend of said cap, said first and second arm each defining a pin receiveraligned along a common axis; a pin received in said pin receivers andsupported adjacent the service port, wherein said cap pivots on saidpin; and wherein said biasing assembly includes a spring supported onsaid pin and contacting said cap to bias said cap toward said closedposition.
 6. The sealing lid assembly of claim 2, wherein said plugtapers radially inwardly as it extends axially inwardly from said cap toform a frusto-conical wall.
 7. The sealing lid assembly of claim 3further comprising a vent assembly supported on said cap and adapted toselectively open the service port to atmosphere for venting of gas orvapor.
 8. The sealing lid assembly of claim 3 further comprising aservice port adapter including a collar attachable to the service portand a wall extending upwardly from said collar defining a bore thatcommunicates with the service port; wherein said plug is received insaid bore and said first seal engages said wall in the closed position,and wherein said biasing assembly is supported on said service portadapter.
 9. The sealing lid assembly of claim 8 further comprising amounting bracket extending outwardly from said service port adapter; apin supported on said mounting bracket; wherein said cap is pivotallysupported on said pin and said biasing assembly includes a torsionspring having a first tab received in a spring recess formed in saidmounting bracket and a second tab operatively connected to said cap toapply a biasing force adapted to urge said cap toward the closedposition.
 10. The sealing lid assembly of claim 8 further comprising asecond seal supported on said cap and located radially outward of saidplug; said second seal sealingly engaging an outer extremity of saidwall when said cap is in the closed position.
 11. The sealing lidassembly of claim 10 wherein said collar includes threads adapted toengage corresponding threads on the service port.
 12. The sealing lidassembly of claim 8, wherein said service port adaptor further comprisesan insert extending axially inward from said collar and terminating at atip, said tip of said insert being at least partially receivable withinsaid service port; said insert defining an insert bore that communicateswith said bore defined by said collar and said service port allowingfluid to pass therethrough, said tip of said insert forming a magnethousing located adjacent to said bore; and a magnet housed in saidmagnet housing adjacent to said bore.
 13. A combination tank and sealinglid assembly, the tank comprising a service port extending outward fromsaid tank and defining an opening for receiving a diesel emissionsfluid; the sealing lid assembly comprising a service port adaptor havinga collar that attaches to the service port and defines a bore thatcommunicates with said opening, said collar including an upstanding wallthat surrounds the opening; a cap pivotally attached to said collar andadapted to overlie the upstanding wall in a closed position; a plugextending axially inward from said cap, said plug having a diametercorresponding to the opening such that said plug is at least partiallyreceived in the opening, wherein said plug defines an annular recessbetween said cap and said inward end; a first seal received within saidannular recess and extending radially outward therefrom to sealinglyengage an inner surface of the upstanding wall when said cap is in saidclosed position; wherein said cap extends radially outward of said plugto form an annular flange adapted to engage an outer extremity of theupstanding wall; a second seal attached to said annular flange andinterposed between said flange and the outer extremity of the upstandingwall to create sealing engagement between said cap and the upstandingwall when said cap is in said closed position; and a biasing assemblysupported on said service port adapter and engagable with said cap tourge said cap toward the closed position.
 14. The sealing lid assemblyof claim 13, wherein said plug tapers radially inward as it extendsaxially inward.
 15. The sealing lid assembly of claim 13, wherein saidcap includes a vent assembly having a valve providing selective fluidcommunication between the service port and atmosphere.